Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Waqar Hasan | Materials Characterization Techniques | Material Characterization Award

National University of Science and Technology | Pakistan

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Waqar Hasan is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in materials characterization techniques with a strong interdisciplinary foundation spanning materials science, mechanical engineering, and energy-related materials. He is affiliated with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan, where he plays an active role in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervising advanced research students, and contributing to outcome-based education and academic leadership. Dr. Hasan’s research expertise centers on the synthesis, fabrication, and characterization of functional materials for energy generation, storage, and conversion applications, with particular emphasis on advanced characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared imaging, thermal and mechanical analysis, and electrochemical testing. His work integrates experimental materials synthesis techniques including electrospinning, wet spinning, phase inversion, plasma sintering, and chemical vapor deposition with device fabrication approaches to develop high-performance energy materials and systems. Dr. Hasan has an extensive record of scholarly publications in well-regarded international journals, reflecting the impact and quality of his contributions to materials characterization, nanostructured materials, electrochemical devices, and thermally driven energy systems. He has also been actively involved in supervising multidisciplinary research projects, fostering industry–academia collaboration, and securing competitive research funding. Through invited lectures, collaborative research activities, and mentorship, he has demonstrated a sustained commitment to advancing materials characterization knowledge and nurturing the next generation of researchers. In recognition of his scientific contributions, technical expertise, and academic leadership in the field of materials characterization, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Waqar Hasan is a deserving recipient of the Material Characterization Award.

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Featured Publications

Ms. Houda Hassini | Materials Characterization Techniques | Interdisciplinary Research Award

Telecom SudParis | France

Ms. Houda Hassini is an interdisciplinary data scientist whose research bridges deep learning, computer vision, biomedical imaging, and remote-sensing technologies, making her a powerful emerging voice at the intersection of artificial intelligence and advanced materials characterization. With a strong academic foundation spanning mathematics, computer science, and artificial-intelligence engineering, she has developed specialized expertise in multimodal imaging, physics-informed machine learning, optical flow modeling, generative adversarial networks, and high-resolution computational imaging. As a Postdoctoral Researcher at ONERA – The French Aerospace Lab, she focuses on designing advanced deep-learning pipelines for sea-ice drift estimation using multimodal satellite imagery, combining synthetic aperture radar, multispectral optical data, and physics-guided simulation strategies to achieve more accurate environmental monitoring under complex real-world conditions. Her doctoral research at Télécom SudParis introduced innovative physics-inspired generative models for biomedical imaging, particularly within Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy, where she developed end-to-end pipelines capable of significantly improving rare blood-cell classification and enhancing phase-amplitude coupled imaging for automated diagnostics. Ms. Hassini has contributed to several high-visibility scientific projects in collaboration with clinical partners and industry teams, and her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and major conferences in optics, photonics, and computational imaging. She has expertise in statistical modeling, clustering, attention-based architectures, unsupervised learning, and large-scale data processing using Python, R, modern deep-learning frameworks, and GPU-accelerated computing environments. In addition to her research achievements, she has taught and supervised students in applied mathematics, signal processing, biomedical data science, and AI-based image analysis across leading French academic institutions. Multilingual and globally engaged, Ms. Hassini also maintains active involvement in community leadership and scientific outreach. Her innovative contributions, interdisciplinary impact, and commitment to advancing imaging intelligence technologies make her an exceptional candidate for the Interdisciplinary Research Award.

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Featured Publications

Hassini, H., Dorizzi, B., Leymarie, V., Klossa, J., & Gottesman, Y. (2025). Enhancing classification of rare white blood cells in FPM with a physics-inspired GAN. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 42310.

Hassini, H., Dorizzi, B., Thellier, M., Klossa, J., & Gottesman, Y. (2023). Investigating the joint amplitude and phase imaging of stained samples in automatic diagnosis. Sensors, 23(18), 7932.

Hassini, H., Dorizzi, B., Klossa, J., & Gottesman, Y. (2024). Optimization of FPM using phase images for malaria detection. In Proceedings of SPIE Photonics Europe (Paper 12996-10). SPIE.

Hassini, H., Bouchama, L., Sextius, M., Klossa, J., Fleury, C., Baran-Marszak, F., Delhommeau, F., Dorizzi, B., Gottesman, Y., & Leymarie, V. (2024). The TAMIS project: Hematology cytology and artificial intelligence: Revolution is in the light bulb. ISLH Proceedings. (Accepted).

Hassini, H., Bouchama, L., Sextius, M., Klossa, J., Fleury, C., Baran-Marszak, F., Delhommeau, F., Dorizzi, B., Gottesman, Y., Leymarie, V., & others. (2024). The TAMIS project: Hematology cytology and artificial intelligence: Revolution is in the light bulb. Presented at the SFH — 43rd Annual Congress, Paris, France.

Hassini, H., Niang, N., & Audigier, V. (2021). SOM-based clusterwise regression. In DSSV 2021: Data Science, Statistics & Visualization Conference, Rotterdam.

Dr. Mmaabo Beauty Tsenang | Materials Characterization Techniques | Best Researcher Award

Botswana International University of Science and Technology | Botswana

Dr. Mmaabo Beauty Tsenang is an accomplished analytical chemist and laboratory Senior Technician whose work spans chemical, forensic, and environmental sciences, marked by strong expertise in chromatographic techniques such as GC-MS, GC-FID/ECD, HPLC, and ICP-MS. She has built a distinguished career through more than a decade of technical leadership, laboratory management, and research involvement across major scientific departments in Botswana, where she has consistently ensured high-quality experimental preparation, instrument calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of sophisticated analytical equipment. Her research contributions focus on contaminants in home-brewed alcoholic beverages, heavy metals in water samples, pesticide residues in plants, and analytical method development for complex matrices, demonstrating her capacity to address real-world public health and food safety issues through robust scientific inquiry. Dr. Tsenang has authored 4 scientific documents, which have collectively received 13 citations, reflected in an h-index of 2, underscoring the scholarly impact of her work within her field. Her publications span reputable journals in analytical chemistry, food science, and natural product analysis, showcasing her ability to design validated analytical protocols and contribute to multidisciplinary research teams. In addition to her research, she plays a vital role in academic environments through supervision of technicians, support to postgraduate students, development of preventive maintenance schedules, and continuous improvement of laboratory operations. Her technical precision, commitment to safety, and capacity to mentor emerging scientists position her as a valued figure in both laboratory practice and applied chemical research. Driven, results-oriented, and highly competent in instrument operation and data interpretation, Dr. Tsenang continues to advance scientific capability through her dedication to analytical excellence, rigorous methodology, and impactful research contributions.

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Featured Publications

Tsenang, M., Pheko-Ofitlhile, T., & Phokedi, N. (2025). Development and validation of an analytical method for the investigation of methanol in homemade alcoholic beverages of Botswana using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technique. Food Analytical Methods, 18, 2918–2929.

Lepodise, L., Billy, R., Tsenang, M., & Pheko, T. (2024). Far infrared/terahertz spectroscopy as a complementary method for the analysis of the spectral features of thymol and carvacrol structural isomers. Natural Product Communications, 19.

Tsenang, M., Phokedi, N., Janes, M., & Pheko, T. (2023). A validated ICP-MS method for the screening and quantitative analysis of heavy metal contaminants in home-brewed alcoholic beverages of Botswana. Food and Humanity.

Tsenang, M., Pheko-Ofitlhile, T., Janes, M., Masamba, W., & Phokedi, N. (2023). Quantification of ethanol and identification of other chemical constituents in homemade morula beer using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). African Journal of Food Science, 17, 148–153.

Tsenang, M., Pheko, T., Janes, M., & Phokedi, N. (2022). A validated liquid–liquid extraction method for the quantitative analysis of ethanol in the different types of home-brewed alcoholic beverages of Botswana using gas chromatography flame ionization detector. Chemistry Africa, 6.

Dr. Nidhi Rai | Materials Characterization Techniques | Editorial Board Member

Banaras Hindu University | India

Dr. Nidhi Rai is a dedicated plant biologist and molecular biotechnology researcher whose work focuses on plant physiology, secondary metabolite pathways, transcription factors, developmental biology, and the application of light spectrum modulation for enhancing medicinal plant productivity. She has established a strong research foundation in the Laboratory of Morphogenesis within the Department of Botany at the Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, where she investigates the molecular, physiological, and biochemical mechanisms influencing growth regulation, stress tolerance, and metabolite biosynthesis in economically important medicinal plants such as Artemisia annua and Withania coagulans. Dr. Rai has developed expertise in a diverse range of technical and analytical platforms including gene expression analysis, protein profiling, plant tissue culture, microscopy, biochemical assays, computational biology, metabolomics, HRMS, GC-MS analysis, and green nanotechnology. Her research contributions are recognized through multiple publications in reputed peer-reviewed journals, collectively achieving 77 citations, supported by an h-index of 4 and an i10-index of 2, demonstrating growing scientific influence and meaningful contribution to contemporary plant biotechnology and metabolic engineering research. She has authored and co-authored research papers, review articles, and book chapters that address critical aspects of plant stress physiology, transcription factor characterization, secondary metabolite pathways, genetic regulation under environmental stimuli, and biotechnological strategies for enhancing phytochemical production. Dr. Rai has actively presented her research in national and international scientific platforms, earning recognition for excellence in research dissemination including awards for outstanding poster presentations. Alongside her scholarly achievements, she has been involved in academic mentoring, scientific outreach, and specialized training related to molecular biology and biotechnological methodologies. Her professional commitment is driven by a mission to advance scientific understanding that supports the sustainable production of high-value plant compounds, contributes to climate-resilient agriculture, and opens translational opportunities in pharmaceuticals, bioengineering, and plant-based therapeutics. A rising scientist with a rapidly expanding research footprint, Dr. Rai continues to contribute to impactful innovation and knowledge advancement in plant science and biotechnology.

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Featured Publications

Singh, S., Saha, P., Rai, N., Kumari, S., & Pandey-Rai, S. (2023). Unravelling triterpenoid biosynthesis in plants for applications in bioengineering and large-scale sustainable production. Industrial Crops and Products, 199, 116789.

Rai, N., Kumari, S., Singh, S., Saha, P., Pandey, A. K., & Pandey-Rai, S. (2024). Modulation of morpho-physiological attributes and in situ analysis of secondary metabolites using Raman spectroscopy in response to red and blue light exposure in Artemisia annua. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 217, 105563.

Rai, N., Kumari, S., Singh, S., Saha, P., & Pandey-Rai, S. (2023). Genome-wide identification of bZIP transcription factor family in Artemisia annua, its transcriptional profiling and regulatory role in phenylpropanoid metabolism under stress. Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants, 29(7), 905–925.

Rai, N., Sarma, B. K., & Rai, S. P. (2024). Transcriptional regulation of biotic and abiotic stress responses: Challenges and potential mechanism for stress tolerance and chickpea improvement. Tropical Plant Biology, 17(2), 83–107.

Kumari, S., Rai, N., Singh, S., Saha, P., Bisen, M. S., & Pandey-Rai, S. (2025). Functional identification of AaDREB-9 transcription factor in Artemisia annua L. and deciphering its role in secondary metabolism under PEG-induced osmotic stress. Plant Physiology Reports, 1–12.

Dr. Suchit Sarin | Materials Characterization Techniques | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Suchit Sarin is a materials engineering researcher with more than twelve years of academic and research experience in advanced materials characterization, process development, and microstructural analysis. His expertise covers electron microscopy, laser surface processing, coatings, and thermophysical property evaluation. With a strong academic record and significant contributions in nanostructure design, functional materials, and surface engineering, he has published widely in reputed journals and presented at international conferences. His work combines experimental insight with computational modeling, bridging fundamental science and applied materials engineering.

Dr. Suchit Sarin | University of Nebraska Lincoln | United States

Profiles

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SCOPUS

Education

Dr. Sarin earned his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, specializing in ultrafast laser surface processing and nanostructure growth mechanisms. He also holds an M.S. by Research and an M.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Steel Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, where he worked on lightweight high-strength steels and computational modeling of niobium alloys. His undergraduate training in Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering provided him with a strong technical foundation. His academic performance demonstrates consistent excellence across international institutions.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sarin has served as Instrument Manager for the FEI Helios NanoLab 660 DualBeam SEM/FIB at the Nano-Engineering Research Core Facility, providing training and expertise in advanced materials characterization. He has worked as a research assistant at the Nebraska Center for Materials & Nanoscience, contributing to high-resolution TEM investigations. His professional trajectory includes roles at IIT Bombay and the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, where he advanced coatings and alloy development for high-temperature applications. He has also taught and mentored undergraduate students, supporting research-led education.

Achievements

Dr. Suchit Sarin has demonstrated excellence through notable fellowships and academic achievements. He is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Boeing Company College of Engineering Fellowship, awarded in recognition of his outstanding research performance and academic contributions in materials engineering. Additionally, he secured All India Rank 53 out of 3000 candidates in the highly competitive GATE 2016 examination in Metallurgical Engineering, reflecting his strong technical foundation and intellectual capabilities. These accomplishments highlight his consistent academic excellence, research potential, and ability to stand out in competitive scientific environments.

Educational Projects

Dr. Suchit Sarin’s educational projects reflect a progressive and comprehensive research journey in materials science and engineering. His Ph.D. work at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln explored ultrafast laser processing on copper and aluminum, uncovering mechanisms of micro/nano-scale structure formation and advancing applications in heat transfer and functional coatings. At IIT Bombay, his Master of Science project developed lightweight steels with high strength and ductility, improving automotive efficiency. His Master of Technology project focused on computational modeling of electron beam melting of niobium alloys, while his Bachelor’s project investigated severe plastic deformation effects on 316L steel, achieving nanoscale grain refinement.

Research Focus

Dr. Sarin’s research focus lies in understanding and engineering micro- and nano-scale structures in functional materials using ultrafast laser processing, thin film deposition, and advanced characterization. He integrates experimental work with computational modeling to explore surface morphology, nanostructured coatings, and thermal management applications. His work on laser-induced nanostructures for heat transfer, energy conversion, and catalysis highlights his interdisciplinary approach. His research addresses critical challenges in materials design, including sustainability, performance enhancement, and innovative processing routes.

Publications

Plasma‐Assisted Synthesis of Methanol Through Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide With Non‐Noble Metal Mixed Oxide Catalysts
Authors: D. Choudhry, M. R. Winburn, S. Sarin, R. J. Chimentão, C. L. Cheung
Journal: ChemSusChem 18 (4), e202400776, 2025

Pool Boiling Performance of Surfaces Produced by Femtosecond Laser Surface Processing and Copper Hydroxide Nanoneedle Growth
Authors: J. Costa-Greger, G. Damoulakis, G. Kaufman, S. Sarin, C. Pettit, J. Shield, et al.
Journal: 2022 21st IEEE Intersociety Conference on Thermal and Thermomechanical Phenomena in Electronic Systems (ITherm), 2022

Functionalization of Copper for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide via Ultrashort Pulse Laser Surface Processing
Authors: G. Kaufman, A. El-Harairy, S. Sarin, S. Nejati, J. E. Shield, C. Zuhlke
Journal: Laser-based Micro-and Nanoprocessing XVIII, Vol. 12873, pp. 183-192, 2024

Effect of Substrate on Spin‐Wave Propagation Properties in Ferrimagnetic Thulium Iron Garnet Thin Films
Authors: R. Timalsina, B. Giri, H. Wang, A. Erickson, S. Sarin, S. Lamichhane, S. H. Liou, et al.
Journal: Advanced Electronic Materials 11 (3), 2400398, 2025

Growth Mechanisms of Self-Organized Micro-and Nano-Scale Structures Around Ultrashort Pulse Laser Ablation Craters on Copper
Authors: S. Sarin, G. Kaufman, C. Zuhlke, J. E. Shield
Journal: Applied Surface Science, Article 163779, 2025

Utilizing Graph Theoretical Analysis to Quantify the Micro-and Nano-Structures Formed on Femtosecond Laser Processed Copper
Authors: D. Egbebunmi, S. Beigzadeh, S. Sarin, M. Anderson, J. Parmar, G. Kaufman, et al.
Journal: Surfaces and Interfaces 64, 106436, 2025

Logarithmic Trends in the Surface Characteristics of Femtosecond Laser Produced Self-Organized Microstructures on Silicon
Authors: A. Butler, R. A. Rajan, G. Kaufman, S. Sarin, J. Gerdes, G. Gogos, J. Shield, et al.
Journal: Laser-based Micro-and Nanoprocessing XIX, Vol. 13351, pp. 203-209, 2025

Quasi‐Periodic Surface Functionalization by Ultra‐Short Pulsed Laser Processing: Unlocking Superior Heat Transfer in Vapor Chambers
Authors: A. Pal, A. Mukhopadhyay, G. Kaufman, S. Sarin, J. E. Shield, G. Gogos, et al.
Journal: Advanced Functional Materials, Article 2508745, 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Suchit Sarin exemplifies excellence in materials science and engineering through his strong educational background, extensive research experience, impactful publications, and interdisciplinary focus. His innovative contributions to laser surface processing, nanostructure development, and advanced characterization position him as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work demonstrates both scientific depth and practical relevance, meeting all the criteria for this recognition.

Dr Junyong Hu | Materials Characterization Techniques | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Junyong Hu is a researcher and lecturer at Taiyuan University of Technology, specializing in refrigeration and cryogenic engineering, reverse electrodialysis, and waste heat utilization technologies. He brings together theoretical modeling and experimental systems to create novel solutions in desalination, pollutant removal, and low-grade heat recovery. Through extensive postdoctoral work in collaboration with Taiyuan Boiler Group Co., Ltd., he has driven forward applied research in clean energy systems and environmental remediation.

Dr Junyong Hu | Taiyuan University of Technology | China

Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Hu earned his B.Sc. in Thermal Energy and Power Engineering from Henan University of Science and Technology, followed by M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering from Dalian University of Technology. His academic path showcases deep engagement with thermodynamic systems and renewable energy applications. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his advanced work in hybrid desalination and power generation systems, emphasizing energy efficiency and sustainability.

Experience

Dr. Hu is currently a lecturer at Taiyuan University of Technology and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Taiyuan Boiler Group Co., Ltd. His work spans experimental design, industrial R&D, and funded scientific projects focused on reverse electrodialysis, air-gap diffusion distillation, and multi-effect desalination systems. As principal investigator for several national and provincial grants, he has led projects targeting denitrification and advanced thermal systems. His hands-on contributions bridge laboratory innovation and field application.

Contributions

Dr. Junyong Hu has led and participated in multiple high-impact research projects focused on thermal energy recovery and clean energy systems. As Principal Investigator, he directed projects funded by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation and the Shanxi Basic Research Program for Youth, exploring reverse electrodialysis heat engines and denitrification via flue gas waste heat. He also led an industrial R&D project optimizing air-gap diffusion distillation devices. Additionally, he contributed to a National Key R&D Program targeting clean combustion and flexible power generation from low-calorific-value coal. These projects reflect his leadership in applied energy and environmental technologies.

Research Focus 

Dr. Hu’s research centers on reverse electrodialysis, waste heat-driven power systems, and hybrid desalination. He aims to optimize energy conversion processes and deepen understanding of membrane-based power generation under low-grade thermal conditions. His focus areas such as pollutant removal, mixed working fluids, and energy recovery serve both environmental and industrial goals. This interdisciplinary approach fosters innovation in sustainable energy and clean water technologies.

Conclusion

Dr. Junyong Hu is a technically accomplished and innovative researcher with clear contributions to sustainable energy systems and thermal energy recovery technologies. His record of high-quality publications, funded projects, and patented inventions positions him as  a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. With increased international collaboration
and research leadership, he is well poised to become a leading figure in energy and environmental engineering.

Publications

Experimental Performance Comparison of Helium-Gap Diffusion Distillation and Air–Gap Diffusion Distillation
Authors: Junyong Hu, Yukun Sun, Jiajie Zhang, Suxia Ma, Xuemao Guo, Jianfei Wang
Journal: Energy Conversion and Management (2022)

Influence of Output Current on Decolorization Efficiency of Azo Dye Wastewater by a Series System with Multi-Stage Reverse Electrodialysis Reactors
Authors: Xu S., Leng Q., Wu X., Xu Z., Hu J., et al.
Journal: Energy Conversion and Management (2021)

Experimental Study on Hydrogen Production with RED Reactor Powered by Concentration Gradient Energy
Authors: Xu S., Liu Z., Wu X., Zhang Y., Hu J., et al.
Journal: CIESC Journal (2020)

Heat and Mass Transfer Evaluation of Air-Gap Diffusion Distillation by ε-NTU Method
Authors: Xu L., Xu S., Wu X., Wang P., Hu J., et al.
Journal: Desalination (2020)

Experimental Investigation on the Performance of Series Control Multi-Stage Reverse Electrodialysis
Authors: Junyong Hu, Shiming Xu, Xi Wu, et al.
Journal: Energy Conversion and Management (2020)

Air-Gap Diffusion Distillation: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Xu S., Xu L., Wu X., Hu J., et al.
Journal: Desalination (2019)

Exergy Analysis for the Multi-Effect Distillation – Reverse Electrodialysis Heat Engine
Authors: Junyong Hu, Shiming Xu, et al.
Journal: Desalination (2019)